New Haven Independent

Although the huge piles of toys generated the most intense (verging on overwhelming) enthusiasm, the celebration also spotlighted dancers outfitted as nativity figures and a performance by Los Otonales, the senior center’s house band. For many of the guests, the Day of the Kings also represents a crucial opportunity to mark an increasingly neglected tradition, celebration of the arrival of the three biblical Magi who brought gifts for the newborn Jesus.

“This is the way the people have traditionally celebrated the birth of Christ,” asserted Casa Otonal’s executive director, Patricia McCann Vissepo, referring to the long-standing Latin American tradition of gift giving that occurs almost two weeks after Christmas day. In Mexico and many Carribean countries, children stuff their shoes with hay”“an offering for the Magis’ camels”“before going to bed on January 5. They wake up the next morning to gifts from the Magi.

Staff at Casa Otonal”“for short, Casa”“organized the celebration to host both the seniors’ families and members of the neighborhood, according to McCann Vissepo. The senior center event, an annual tradition for more than a decade, has grown steadily. During a two-day marathon of wrapping and decorating this year, Casa staff prepared for three hundred children and their families. Mountains of gifts donated by local police were arranged according to the recipients’ age and gender. The piles were decimated in 45 minutes.

Jessica Guzman, whose grandmother lives at Casa Otonal, brought her husband Edgar and her kids for the first time this year. “It’s nice to have something to celebrate with family after Christmas,” offered Edgar.

McCann Vissepo was more than happy to see such a gigantic crowd: “That’s our mission statement, to act like a family,” she explained smiling at the throng as it spilled into the lobby.

Confronted by an absolutely packed house, some guests, including Casa Otonal residents (and sisters) Nereida (pictured) and Maria Rivera, elected to watch the performance from outside. “Se ve mejor desde aca!” giggled Nereida as she tapped on a window to draw the attention of her grandson inside. Not only was the view better (as she noted), but the balmy weather outdoors was far more inviting than the steamy interior.

From their privileged vantage point, Rivera and her sister, who both live at Casa Otonal with their husbands, were particularly delighted to see the younger generation enjoy El Dia de los Magos in counterpoint to a commercialized Christmas holiday. “En la Biblia, no hay Santa Claus,” declared Maria Rivera: “There is no Santa Claus in the Bible.”

Rivera was not alone in expressing mild disapprobation for the famously jolly, red-suited fat man. Inside, McCann Vissepo also offered a mild rebuke: “With globalization, everything everywhere is Santa Claus.” She made her comments not far from the truly impressive heaps of gifts, leaving little doubt that Casa had thrown down the gantlet.

The three magos (Magi, or kings), braved the crowds inside, passing out gifts to universal acclaim, if also a small measure of impatience. Carlos Eyzaguirre, Rafael Ramos, and Paul Nunez (left to right) cut impressive figures in their vivid, sequined robes and turbans. Nunez, at least, concluded the afternoon with a new appreciation for the challenges of an iconic holiday gift-giver: “This beard, it just itches,” he lamented during a pause, before returning to satisfy the eager young crowd.